Translation and Meaning of: 留守 - rusu

The Japanese word 「留守」 (rusu) is composed of two kanji: 「留」 and 「守」. The kanji 「留」 (ryū or ru) has the meaning of "stay" or "retain," while 「守」 (shu or su) refers to "protect" or "defend." When combined, they form a concept that conveys the idea of someone being away from home or their usual place while the home remains safe.

The term 「留守」 is used to describe the situation in which a person is not present in their residence or in the place where they usually are. In this situation, the implication is that, although the person is absent, their possessions and home are certainly protected, or at least, it is hoped that they are. Historically, this reflects the cultural and social importance of the security and protection of the home in society.

The expression 「留守番」 (rusu-ban) is a derivation that brings a more specific context, referring to a person or object that takes care of the house during the absence of the residents. The suffix 「番」 (ban) means "watch" or "shift," thus 「留守番」 is commonly used to designate someone who looks after the house or answers calls when the resident is not present. It is interesting to observe how this word adapts to different contexts, ranging from the use of modern technologies, such as "留守番電話" (rusu-ban denwa), which means "answering machine," to more traditional situations, such as entrusting the house to the care of a neighbor or family member.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 不在 (fuzai) - absence
• 家を空ける (ie o akeru) - Leave the house empty
• 外出する (gaishutsu suru) - leave the house
• 不在者 (buzai-sha) - Absent person

留守

Romaji: rusu
Kana: るす
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: absence; to be far from home

Meaning in English: absence;being away from home

Definition: Being far from home and leaving.

Example Sentences - (留守) rusu

See below some example sentences:

留守にしています。

Rusuni shiteimasu

I'm away.

I'm away.

• 留守 (rusu) - absent, not present
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the action of being in a place
• しています (shiteimasu) - polite form of the verb "to do" in the present continuous